First Nations and Indigenous Communities

More About RDH
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We recognize and honor the Indigenous communities who have stewarded these lands and waters since time immemorial, and on whose territories we live and work today. RDH's locations and projects span territories that are home to many Nations, and we acknowledge the ongoing presence and rights of these native communities across Canada and United States. We are committed to listening, learning, and building relationships that respect sovereignty and advance meaningful reconciliation through our responsibilities as professionals, but more importantly, as people.

Our Projects

RDH is committed to meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities, focusing on understanding and honoring cultural priorities in all aspects of our work. This approach is grounded in collaboration, respect, and the integration of cultural values into design and construction processes.

We align our work with Call to Action 92 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, which calls on the corporate sector to adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a framework for reconciliation. This guides how we approach consultation, partnership, and project development with Indigenous communities across Canada and the United States.

Our Work

We bring decades of experience delivering projects in partnership with Indigenous communities. These projects reflect the importance of co‑design, technical excellence, and cultural respect.

Sen̓áḵw | Vancouver, BC
Multi phase, mixed use project with Squamish First Nation integrating cultural elements with housing, eldercare, education, and language services.
Red River College – Manitou a bi Bii daziigae | Winnipeg, MB
A net-zero-ready facility combining the rehabilitated Scott Fruit warehouse with a new four-story addition—supporting a learning environment that reflects and serves Indigenous and broader community values.
Doig River Cultural Centre | Rose Prairie, BC
One of the most northern PHIUS-certified buildings in North America and the first led by a First Nation in Canada, provides a unifying cultural space that demonstrates how Passive House design can deliver comfort and resilience in the Far North.
Old Crow Community Centre | Old Crow, YT
Among the most airtight structures tested in Canada, designed with Northern Front and Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation.
University of Victoria Student Housing and Dining | Victoria, BC
The campus’s new mass timber student housing—Čeqʷəŋín ʔéʔləŋ (Cheko’nien House) and Sŋéqə ʔéʔləŋ (Sngequ House), named by the Songhees Nation—adds 783 beds, Indigenous student spaces, and one of the world’s largest PHIUS-certified commercial kitchens, with RDH providing Passive House and building enclosure consulting.
Centennial College A-Block Expansion | Scarborough, ON
Co-designed with an Indigenous Working Group and Smoke Architecture, the A-Building embodies the principle of two-eyed seeing in a zero-carbon mass timber facility that provides gathering and teaching space for Indigenous students, staff, and community.
University of British Columbia Museum of Anthropology
Guided by the Musqueam Indian Band and other Indigenous communities, the Great Hall renewal celebrates the site’s cultural significance while reimagining it for the future.
Nuutsumuut Lelum | Nanaimo, BC
Affordable housing development for Indigenous families, youth, and Elders in collaboration with the Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre and BC Housing.
Nunavut Inuit Heritage Centre | Iqaluit, NU
Providing enclosure consulting expertise to support a facility reflecting Inuit heritage and traditions.
Parks Canada Tulita Office & Staff Housing | Naats’ihch’oh National Park Reserve, NT
RDH leads building enclosure consulting, energy modelling, and Indigenous training for the Parks Canada Tulita Office and Visitors Centre.
Hattie Redmond Apartments | Portland, OR
In partnership with Sera Architects, RDH provides enclosure consulting for Hattie Redmond, an affordable housing project that delivers lasting comfort and stability for Portland’s Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities.
Chief Leonard George Building | Vancouver, BC
For the Vancouver Native Housing Society, RDH provides Enclosure Consulting, Passive House Consulting, and Air-Barrier Commissioning for the 9-storey mass-timber Chief Leonard Building, delivering 81 affordable apartments.

Integrating Cultural Elements into Design

Our work with partners emphasizes engagement with Indigenous Design Leads, community members, and project teams whenever possible to deliver alignment with the community’s design vision and cultural context.

Approaches include:

  • Incorporating Indigenous art, history, and traditions into enclosures and facades, as demonstrated in projects such as Sen̓áḵw and the Chief Leonard George Building.
  • Helping to realize design intent and provide technical expertise where Indigenous art, history, and traditions are expressed through enclosures and facades, such as the concept for the New Vancouver Art Gallery and Chief Leonard George Building in Vancouver.

Community Input

Participation from the community is integral at every stage. On project initiatives, we have had the opportunity to:

  • Join workshops and consultations that create space for open dialogue and community‑driven priorities.
  • Maintain ongoing engagement with the community stay aligned with community values and the project intent.
  • Develop tailored solutions based on local traditions and environmental needs.
Old Crow Housing – Deep Energy Retrofits | Old Crow, YT
RDH supports remote Yukon community to become net-zero.

Workforce Development and Capacity Building

We are committed to building skills and creating opportunities within Indigenous communities.

  • Training Resources: Our Resources: Technical Library includes resources on airtightness and energy modeling for Indigenous trades and businesses.
  • Job Creation: We partner with Indigenous students and professionals in STEM fields to strengthen representation in engineering and building science.
Nuutsumuut Lelum | Nanaimo, BC
Affordable housing development for Indigenous families, youth, and Elders in collaboration with the Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre and BC Housing.

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